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What does pale yellow poop mean?

What does pale stool mean? Pale stools can indicate problems in the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, or pancreas. Dietary factors can also play a role. Giardiasis, a parasitic infection, can cause yellow stools.

medicalnewstoday.com - Pale stool: causes, diagnosis, and treatment - Medical News Today

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In this article, learn about the causes of pale stool and other symptoms that may occur with them. If pale stools occur once with no other symptoms, it is usually safe to wait and see if the stool returns to its usual color. A child or infant with pale or white poop should see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any underlying conditions. Pale stools can result from dietary choices, an infection, or an underlying medical problem, such as gallbladder or liver disease. People with persistently pale stools may need medical treatment. Bile from the liver, known as bilirubin, creates the typical brown hue of a healthy bowel movement. When the stool is very pale, it often means that not enough bile is reaching the stool. Stools may contain low bile levels if there is a problem with the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver. People with consistently pale stools may want to talk with a doctor about conditions that affect these organs.

The most common reasons for a pale stool color include:

1. Foods

Some foods, such as fatty foods, may cause stool color to become yellow. The occasional pale bowel movement is unlikely to be a cause for concern. Changing the diet may cause poop to return to its usual color.

What should poop look like?

2. Giardiasis

Giardiasis, also known as beaver fever, is an infection that may turn the stool yellow. Symptoms can result from an infection with Giardia lamblia, an intestinal parasite. A person can contract this parasite by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with soil or stool that contains the parasite. Giardiasis is present around the world, including all parts of the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

Other symptoms of giardiasis include:

Symptoms start 1–2 weeks after infection and can 2–6 weeks to resolve, or longer in some cases. Prescription medicine can reduce the time symptoms last.

3. Medications

Many drugs and medications can damage the liver, especially with high doses.

Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, for example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can harm the liver.

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Large amounts of aluminum hydroxide, present in antacids, can cause stool to lighten in color. Barium sulfate, a type of contrast used for certain X-ray tests, can also cause pale stools. Pale stools may be a sign of liver damage in a person who:

is taking a new drug

has been taking medication for some time

is taking high doses of a drug

With OTC drugs, it is best to stop taking the drug and see a doctor as soon as possible. For prescription drugs, people should speak with their doctor before stopping the drug.

Which drugs cause liver damage?

4. Gallbladder disease

The gallbladder holds bile and is located on the upper right side of the stomach, next to the liver. During digestion, the gallbladder releases bile into the intestines through the bile duct. Gallbladder diseases can change the color of stool. Gallstones, one of the most common gallbladder diseases, can block the bile duct.

As well as pale stool, it can cause :

intense pain

nausea

vomiting

fever and chills

jaundice

Without treatment, gallstones can cause problems with other organs, such as the pancreas and liver. Treatments for gallbladder problems depend on the cause. A doctor may have to remove gallstones, either surgically or with medication to dissolve them. A person can live without a gallbladder, and so a doctor may remove it if gallstones keep returning. The person may need to change their diet after surgery.

What are the most common gallbladder problems?

5. Liver problems

Problems with the liver or bile ducts can turn the stool pale.

There are two forms of bilirubin in the body. One type is passed in the urine or feces and the other type is bound to protein (albumin), which helps it stay in the blood vessels. When a person has liver or biliary problems, bilirubin is unable to pass in the stool. This causes the stool to lose its color, giving it a paler or clay-colored appearance. Conversely, the body excretes excess bilirubin in the urine, giving it a darker or amber-colored appearance.

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There are many types of liver disease, including:

In addition to pale stool, other symptoms of liver disease include:

nausea and vomiting

fatigue

very dark urine

fatty stool

itching

swelling in the ankles or legs

Anyone under a doctor’s care for liver disease should report any changes in stool color. Treatment for liver disease depends on the cause and how far it has progressed. For mild liver disease, a person may only need medication and lifestyle changes. Those with severe liver disease may need a liver transplant. Sometimes problems with other organs — such as the gallbladder — lead to liver symptoms. In this case, a doctor must treat the underlying condition as well. Examples of bile duct problems include bile duct obstruction, which may be due to bile duct stones.

What is cirrhosis?

6. Pancreatic problems

Diseases of the pancreas can make it hard for this organ to secrete pancreatic juices into the digestive system. This can lead to the food moving too quickly through the gut, resulting in a pale and fatty-looking stool.

Examples of problems with the pancreas include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Both can involve jaundice, with the following symptoms:

pale and fatty stools

dark urine

yellowing of the whites of the eyes

Pancreatitis refers to swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.

It can result from various conditions, including :

infections

autoimmune pancreatitis

gallstones

high alcohol consumption

the use of some drugs

Chronic pancreatitis can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the cause. The doctor may address an underlying issue, such as gallstones. Some people need hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and pain management. If a bacterial infection is present, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

What is the best diet for someone with pancreatitis?

medicalnewstoday.com - Pale stool: causes, diagnosis, and treatment - Medical News Today

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